This year proved to be our biggest yet, with 56 percent of U-M's benefits-eligible faculty and staff participating in MHealthy Rewards 2013 and learning important information about their health and ways to improve or maintain it. Also, for the first time, we have close to 700 spouses and other qualified adults participating!

If you're among the more than 22,000 benefits-eligible employees who took this year’s health questionnaire, remember you now have the opportunity to earn another $50 by completing a Rewards-eligible healthy activity by July 12. A complete list can be found on the Rewards website. Here are a few that are currently registering and open to ALL faculty and staff:

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the work-place to the worker, often resulting in the promotion of safety, health, productivity and job satisfaction. To recognize U-M faculty and staff members who support ergonomics, MHealthy created the Ergo Hero Individual Awards. If you know of a co-worker who uses recommended postures, work strategies or equipment, or a manager/supervisor who supports staff by applying ergonomic solutions in the workplace, take a moment and nominate them. It only takes five minutes and nominations are accepted any time. Recipients are recognized with a lapel pin and a certificate of achievement.

Through our partnership with the U-M Michigan Institute for Community and Health Research (MICHR) and the U-M School of Kinesiology’s Health Management Research Center (HMRC), we are able to look at group data collected from the last four years of the health questionnaire and 2009 and 2012 wellness screenings to help us evaluate our associated MHealthy efforts and their effectiveness. These analyses reveal several positive outcomes and indicate that we are moving in the right direction in improving the health of our community.

ACTIVE U PRIZES – On April 17, wear any past years' Active U T-shirt and you could win a cool prize!

SIMPLE STEPS EXERCISE CLASS – New, free 30-minute class for employees who have not exercised in a while but would like to add physical activity back into their lives. Call 734-764-0285 or email mhealthy-well-coord@umich.edu to register.